About the supply the first half of 2007 (De Beers 11dec2006)
De Beers says diamond supply to tighten in H1 2007
JOHANNESBURG, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The world's biggest diamond producer De Beers has told clients it expects a reduced supply of rough diamonds to distribute during the first half of next year as it curtails marketing of Russian gems under an EU deal.
The Diamond Trading Company (DTC), the De Beers marketing arm, has set out intended amounts of diamonds it will offer to its so-called sightholders, or specially selected clients, De Beers told Reuters.
"In some instances the level... has been lower than anticipated by DTC sightholders, because the DTC anticipates a lower availability of rough diamonds to sell in H1 2007," De Beers said. De Beers said part of the reason for the reduced supply was a deal agreed last year with the European Commission to phase out marketing of rough diamonds from Russia's Alrosa to settle a long-running monopoly abuse case.
Under the agreement, De Beers' purchases of Alrosa rough diamonds will fall from $600 million in 2006 to $500 million in 2007, $400 million in 2008 and to zero in 2009.
Reuters Pictures Photo
Editors Choice: Best pictures from the last 24 hours. View Slideshow
In addition, lower production is forecast from Botswana, which accounts for the bulk of De Beers mining output.
Canadian production will not yet be available in the first half of 2007, De Beers added.
The group said last month that it expected its new Snap Lake Arctic mine to start producing in October 2007 with output of 1.5 million carats when it hit full production.
Another issue reducing supply to international clients is that De Beers has pledged to southern African diamond producing countries to provide gems directly to local cutting and polishing operations to boost employment and economic growth.
De Beers is 45 percent owned by the world's third biggest mining group Anglo American Plc (AAL.L: Quote, Profile , Research), 40 percent by South Africa's Oppenheimer family and 15 percent by the government of Botswana.
they are doing it because the DEMAND FAR EXCEEDS SUPPLY. If they didn't do it prices would have sky rocketed. China is buying precious metals and gems big time (China's dollar reserves reaches 1 Trillion USD). Even if they didn't buy it form GBDX. Global diamond prices will increase.
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
AI
